Dean praises Clark -- it's true -- look here!

[Bread and Circus]

This post is a call for unity. Lately, many people have been sacking us Clark supporters because we have been a little over-exuberant for our potential "candidate". I would submit that while there has been some heated flaming, by-and-large we are no worse than anyone else on this forum. We just really like Clark and think he is the best person for the Presidency. Many have accused us of being akin to fanatical idiots without basis for our cause. This has given me a little distate for DU but I have to admit, I think this is one of the coolest sites on the web and I thank my stars it exists.

However, I hope Dean's recent statements can give some credence to the draft Clark cause. To be frank, Dean came out with a few very nice statements about Clark which should go to show that us Clark supporters have known something all along that the rest of you may come to know. That is, Clark is "one of the good guys" and may be a tough contender for the Presidency or VP slot.

Here's the quote (excerpt):

---
Dean-Clark in 2004?
On Sunday, Dean told CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" that -- if nominated by his party -- he would consider tapping retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark as a vice presidential running mate.

"Yes," Dean said when asked whether he would consider asking the former NATO supreme commander to join his ticket.

"There would be a great many people, of course, that would be considered as a potential running mate. And I must say, I think it's much too early to discuss potential running mates. I mean, we're five months from the time the first official vote and delegate selection takes place.

"So I find it very premature. But I think Wes Clark, he's somebody I keep in close touch with. He's a terrific person, very bright, very capable, very thoughtful. Our views coincide on a number of matters, and he is -- I certainly can't say enough good things about him. It would be tough to run against him."

(end excerpt)
---

Here's the link to the original CNN article:

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/08/24/dean/

At this point, I have to give props to Dean. He has done amazing this summer. My biggest beef with him is that he has been somewhat divisive to the party (though we needed tougher rhetoric on Bush, because some of the guys in there (like Lieberman) were being weanies).

I will forgive Dean his indiscretion. After all, I am also a short primary care doctor with a firebrand's approach who trained in New England. Dean and I have a lot in common, when I think about it. :)
So, if Dean wins it all and names Clark as VP, then my heart won't be crushed.

Make no mistake though, I want Clark to be the top dog on the ticket but I am willing to say "hey, it's all good" if he ends up as VP :)

So, in conclusion I just want to put my hand out in a fair shake, give Dean credit for his succes and say I appreciate what he has said about Clark. Please, for those of you who are annoyed with us Clarksters, see that we really pretty much want the same things you want and that Clark is no fluke or fantasy. He is the real deal as Dean has intelligently alluded to.

Peace and warm regards.

[Ishkaboogl]

1. i second that motion

n/t

[asjr]

2. Clark

Clark on the ticket, whether it is for pres.or vp would win the South. A Dean/Clark ticket is a sure winner. The best thing about both is they do not speak in cliches.

[tameszu]

3. Good post! I would only add

that Clark has reciprocated with some kind words for Dean too, even though he was directly baited to take shots at him:

http://www.digitalclark.com/#Buchanan and Press - MSNBC - July 25, 2003

I think the two men do sincerely respect one another and I have a feeling that if one of them won the Presidency, then he would have the other in his cabinet (most likely HHS for Dean or Secy of State for Clark).

[TacticalPeek]

4. Reasonable.

n/t

[mot78]

5. I think Dean would make a great DNC Chairman

McAlluffe (sp?) has been the worst thing to our party since since the Dixiecrats.

[deutsey]

6. Dean's campaign mgr, Joe Trippi,

said at an event I organized recently that Clark and Dean are in touch with each other and like each other. He cautioned that it's way too early to speculate about running with each other, but he gavet the impression that the possibility exists.

And it's not just a Dean and Clark alliance that we should be hoping for...whoever gets the nomination will need supporters of ALL the various candidates to rally behind them and oust the faux prez from our White House.

[BuelahWitch]

7. Dean/Clark (or even Clark/Dean) is my dream ticket

I've seen the General in several interviews on Shout TV and he's always articulate, intelligent and laid back. I would be be proud to live in a country led by these men.

[Bread and Circus]

8. Here's another great Clark link

This is from Digby....very nice prose.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2003_08_24_digbysblog_archive.html#1061

Give 'er a look-see.

[Andromeda]

9. I saw that interview on CNN...

and I wasn't surprised at all. Dean and Clark are the best guys in the bunch and I hope there is a Dean/Clark, or a Clark/Dean ticket. It would be an unbeatable combination!